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Dumont Dunes: OPEN and the Perfect Place to Self-quarantine

There's no doubt that we're living in some crazy times right now. Because of the Coronavirus and COVID-19, many businesses have been told to close and people have been laid off. Although it is a scary time, there is no need to panic. This will pass and everything will eventually be back to normal. If your stuck in your house and find yourselves extremely bored with an abundance of free time on your hands, you might be thinking of getting out of town and self-distancing yourselves at Dumont. It's the perfect place to turn off the media and get away from the craziness.

 

All of California's parks and developed recreation areas have closed, however Dumont is not a park. It is a dispersed camping and OHV area and is remaining open! We have confirmed this with BLM and we will update the website of anything changes, but we were told Dumont will remain open and fees are not waived like some other OHV and park areas. The bathrooms are still open and being cleaned/ disinfected by Lynn Construction, but this may change without notice and they could be closed/locked. 

 

So get out there and feel normal again. Just remember there are no services on off-weekends and to be extra careful. Bring plenty of supplies and still continue to take normal steps to protect yourself and prevent the spread of this virus. If you are feeling sick, stay home! Stay in the habit of washing your hands, keeping surfaces clean, distancing yourselves 6 ft from others, and covering coughs and sneezes. Keep your camp and group size limited. Most importantly...have some fun in those dunes, clear your mind and enjoy this great weather we have had lately! Share your photos/ stories with us by posting a dune report or tagging us on Instagram

photo by bigeyes10

 

April 17 Update- DUMONT IS STILL OPEN. There are no plans to close at this point and we will update the site if anything changes.

 

BLM CALIFORNIA COVID-19 UPDATES

The health and safety of our visitors and staff remains the number one priority of the Bureau of Land Management. In accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and with the Governor’s shelter in place order, the BLM will temporarily close all developed campgrounds and developed recreation sites in California, to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

The closure is effective immediately and will remain in effect until such time as conditions allow for safe use of the recreation areas. While developed recreation sites are closed, dispersed camping and trails remain open and available to the public.

Visitors may continue to enjoy BLM-managed public lands in a safe and responsible manner. We recommend visiting areas close to home while avoiding very popular or crowded locations where social distancing may be difficult and limiting group activities to members of your household. Please note that existing rules and regulations apply. Entrance fees have been waived.  Other fees, such as cabin rentals, group day use, and use of special areas will remain in effect. 

The BLM urges visitors to do their part when visiting your public lands as some visitor services may be limited due to limited staff availability in some areas.

We recommend:

  • bringing your own supplies such as disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper
  • packing out your trash
  • reducing the handling of cash by paying recreation fees through Recreation.gov or with a check, where available

Follow local, state, and CDC guidance:

  • maintain a safe distance between yourself and other groups
  • limit your group to 10 people or less
  • wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; or use hand sanitizer if you can’t wash your hands
  • avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • stay home if you feel sick

 

*** Please note that the BLM will be responsive to changing circumstances, and this information may change at any time. We will do our best to update this information but recommend that you also contact local offices.***

 

Dumont Visitor Center

The BLM is temporarily restricting in-person public access to visitor centers and public rooms in our California offices.The Dumont visitor center is closed. 

Dumont Restrooms

The restrooms are still open and being regularly cleaned by Lynn Construction.

 

covid19-BLM CA_Draft24March2020iv_With Graphic_small.jpg

 

Above info from https://www.blm.gov/site-page/blm-california-covid-19-updates

 

FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO RIDE DURING “SOCIAL DISTANCING” – SOME GUIDELINES

National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council  recently drew your attention to U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service guidance, indicating that opportunities to continue dispersed recreation may remain during the current reality we are all facing as a result of COVID-19. It is possible to abide by social distancing and other recommended guidelines while getting outdoors and engaging in all sorts of recreation – including OHV recreation. But, ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide if getting outdoors is the right thing to do.

NOHVCC always believes in safe and responsible recreation – this is the core of NOHVCC’s ethic; however, safety is even more important than ever if you choose to ride in the near future. Many hospitals are at or near capacity. This may not only make it difficult for you to get the care you need should you get injured, you may also turn the attention of hospital staff away from focusing on addressing the needs of other patients.

Please carefully consider the potential implications should you hit the trails. Make decisions that make sense for you and your family and that abide by recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and other federal, state, and local agencies and governments.

Some general guidelines, should you choose to engage in OHV recreation during this situation:

  • Contact the riding area in advance – they may be closed.
  • Visit cdc.gov for information on the latest recommendations and guidelines – follow them!
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Avoid close contact, especially with people who are ill.
    • Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
  • As ALWAYS – wear all appropriate safety gear. For ATVs, ROVs, and dirt bikes this includes: a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
  • Ride or drive on trails that do not challenge your skill level – now is not the time for technical obstacles.
  • Ride or drive at significantly reduced speeds. Enjoy the scenery. Stop for lunch and take in the fresh air and sounds that come with being outdoors.
  • Abide by social distancing recommendations. Ride in pairs or small groups. Keep in mind that others you come across on the trail may stay farther away than normal and may not want to engage in conversation.
  • Experience nearby trails. This is not the time to load up the truck and try a riding area that you’ve always wanted to try but is 1,000 miles away. Comply with recommendations to stay near to home.
  • If you are at all uncomfortable for any reason about getting out on the trail – DON’T GO!
  • If you feel sick – DON’T GO!

Recreation is an important part of life – studies show it makes us happier and healthier. However, we are experiencing a unique reality right now. NOHVCC encourages you to make good decisions, comply with mandates and guidelines from relevant authorities, and to stay safe.

 

Info from https://www.nohvcc.org/for-those-who-choose-to-ride-during-social-distancing-some-guidelines/

Edited by dunefreak


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Well said DUNEFREAK. New to the forum but not to Dumont so thank you for having me. I'll be headed out there tomorrow with my son. No better way to be "quarantined" and get your mind clear for awhile.

 

Stay safe friends!!

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Unfortunately yes this is a bad time for everyone not trying to be a Debbie Downer but people from all over go to Dumont Dunes especially people that have been in hi affected areas I don't believe the dunes should be open because people still come in contact with each other and once they've had a few drinks they let their guard down people camp in groups again Taking Chances bathrooms might be cleaned but not every time you use them I think it this time it is Unthinkable that the Dune should be open you never know who you could pass the virus on to

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On 3/29/2020 at 8:08 AM, Joyce said:

Unfortunately yes this is a bad time for everyone not trying to be a Debbie Downer but people from all over go to Dumont Dunes especially people that have been in hi affected areas I don't believe the dunes should be open because people still come in contact with each other and once they've had a few drinks they let their guard down people camp in groups again Taking Chances bathrooms might be cleaned but not every time you use them I think it this time it is Unthinkable that the Dune should be open you never know who you could pass the virus on to

 

Except every example you made doesn't follow the CDC guidelines/ recommendations. As long as you don't go out in groups, you maintain your distance, wash your hands, etc there is no threat of spreading or contracting the virus. The whole point is to NOT let your guard down. 

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5 hours ago, dunefreak said:

 

Except every example you made doesn't follow the CDC guidelines/ recommendations. As long as you don't go out in groups, you maintain your distance, wash your hands, etc there is no threat of spreading or contracting the virus. The whole point is to NOT let your guard down. 

exactly.   we've been in Glamis for 12 days, and we are headed to Dumont in the morning.    see you there dune freak!!    is it crowded rn?   Glamis is emppppttttyyyyyy 

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On 3/30/2020 at 3:15 PM, willworkfor4x4 said:

exactly.   we've been in Glamis for 12 days, and we are headed to Dumont in the morning.    see you there dune freak!!    is it crowded rn?   Glamis is emppppttttyyyyyy 

Awesome. Have fun. I'm not there though. :( I'm "essential" and have to work. lol It's not crowded though. It should be great out there. Post some pics when you get there!

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Thanks dunefreak. It may be time to head out of Vegas for the weekend. Just spent a week at Pirates Cove on the river and it was sweet. Bar and restaurant is closed but store is open and all trails. See ya on the dunes. 

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I'll be out there in the morning!  No real plans to ride, just want to enjoy some nice weather and great views with my dogs.  If anyone wants to camp close enough to share a fire let me know.  I'm serious about distancing but I think camping completely alone would be boring.

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5 hours ago, Sandwichmaker said:

I'll be out there in the morning!  No real plans to ride, just want to enjoy some nice weather and great views with my dogs.  If anyone wants to camp close enough to share a fire let me know.  I'm serious about distancing but I think camping completely alone would be boring.

im thinking about Monday for a week if I can find someone to camp/ride with. how long are you planing to stay?

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23 hours ago, cswamp1 said:

im thinking about Monday for a week if I can find someone to camp/ride with. how long are you planing to stay?

Looks like it might be pretty windy on Tuesday but we were planning on Wednesday.  Do it!!  I can stay longer if it's fun cause Vegas has nothing to offer right now.

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1 hour ago, Sandwichmaker said:

Looks like it might be pretty windy on Tuesday but we were planning on Wednesday.  Do it!!  I can stay longer if it's fun cause Vegas has nothing to offer right now.

wind doesn't bother me at all. im waiting on a friend to let me know if he's able to go. should know by Sunday if im coming.   Are there many people there now and where you guys camping?

E0E5E138-5F1C-4BD5-9A7E-DC45E54E2F7B.jpeg

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20 hours ago, Sandwichmaker said:

Looks like it might be pretty windy on Tuesday but we were planning on Wednesday.  Do it!!  I can stay longer if it's fun cause Vegas has nothing to offer right now.

also I forgot to ask do you know if the kiosk is working at the entrance? Thanks

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3 hours ago, cswamp1 said:

also I forgot to ask do you know if the kiosk is working at the entrance? Thanks

Yes I was there on Tuesday and it was working.

Tom

 

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3 hours ago, Nocaltom said:

Yes I was there on Tuesday and it was working.

Tom

 

When we were there tues thru Thur very few people here’s a pic of one of our explore rides so fun it was my first time here will definitely come back.we camped around C8

Tom

BF2FB863-77CB-4DD4-B1FC-A6DF284DD1A7.png

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